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Tag Archives: Obsessions

Whilst on a life saving break from the salt mines yesterday, I was dragged kicking and screaming (by myself) into a local bookstore for a nose about. Now the sparkly bit with Msasa is that they do second hand books as well (read cheap,cheap). In the search for glorious fantasy I came across a more serious expose of obsessions, addictions and fetishes. The book’s overall theme was how humanity’s inner feelings of inadequacy/demons etc push them towards unhealthy practices. A plethora of eye-opening but really “sad” stories (to flog an over-used adjective). Obesity, alcoholism, body-mutilation and the like – people in turmoil with overwhelming feelings of being lost (damn, the name of the book escapes me completely, will look again).

The phrase “comfort eating” is often bandied about when women’s issues are spoken about and I’ve been mulling over the whole concept of seeking solace when life just gets too much. Do you turn to religion or food or alcohol or other people for succor? Does your glance turn inwards for a good dose of self-reflection in an attempt to answer the myriad of questions that being a member of the human race throws at you.

Personally, I think I’m more of a look inwards type of personality (is there a defined genre for that) – I yearn for peace and tranquility, silence and harmony – the sound of trickling water does far more for me than a slice of cake. Music (in any shape or form) brings me great comfort.

Yet, as varied as people are so will their coping methods be (one of my dearest friends is a runner – when there’s mayhem she can be found pounding the pavements). It also hit me upside the head about judging people – how many of us can say we haven’t thought negatively when you see an overweight person out and about, or looked down on somebody that is drunk? Are they physical manifestations of a life in crisis?